EU countries prepare measures to cut electricity bills for winter

What was decided at EU level

On 29 October 2026 EU energy ministers discussed the energy situation ahead of winter. As Euronews reports, despite large-scale efforts to phase out Russian fuel, the bloc remains fully exposed to any new global supply disruption. To provide immediate relief to consumers this winter, member states intend to lower utility bills by reducing electricity grid fees and cutting state taxes on electricity. The plan also foresees incentives for households and businesses to shift energy-intensive activities to cheaper off-peak hours, and, to guarantee physical deliveries, stricter coordination of emergency gas reserves between countries to prevent regional shortages during cold snaps.

Why prices remain high

According to Euronews, before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia supplied about 45% of the EU's gas imports, whereas in 2025 that figure was only 12%. Europe is buying replacement volumes in the form of more expensive liquefied natural gas, including from the United States. Additional pressure comes from the Middle East conflict: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is pushing prices up, as Europe competes with Asian countries for alternative supplies. The outlet has also launched an anonymous survey asking whether these measures are sufficient and whether energy bills have reached the limit for households; the results will be used in Euronews' Europe-wide coverage.